Jack Cumming, GM5JFC

In the space of 11 months Jack Cumming, GM5JFC, from Glasgow, has gone from having almost no knowledge of amateur radio to becoming a fully licensed radio amateur. He did this through sheer hard work, determination and through using resources such as the Kindle version of the RSGB Licence Manuals. Jack also credits the Bath Based Distance Learning Full Licence course, and the brilliant teaching of Steve Hartley G0FUW, as well as his tutor Rolfe James, MM0RJJ.

It was in January 2023 that Jack came across his old CB radio as he was putting away his Christmas decorations in the attic. He hadn’t thought twice about it since he stopped using it in the late 80s. However, when he came across the equipment, he couldn’t resist the temptation to put out a few calls and see if anything came back.

Much to his surprise a mobile station came back and confirmed his signal was getting out. As he continued to make contacts over the next few days, he soon discovered that many of the people he was speaking to were also licensed radio amateurs. They suggested he consider looking into the hobby and getting his Foundation Licence.

When he found that he could access the RSGB Foundation Licence Manual through the Kindle app on his phone, Jack set about reading the manual and soon passed his exam. From then on, he was hooked, and soon joined a nightly and early morning net. It was at this point Jack thought he may as well look into the Intermediate Licence. He was again able to access the Intermediate Licence Manual on his phone, via the Kindle app, and passed the Intermediate Exam in May 2023. By this time Jack had purchased an HF radio, joined the RSGB, was enjoying building antennas and having QSOs across the globe.

Encouraged by people he was speaking to, he decided to keep going with his studies and tackle the Full Licence. At this stage Jack was a little nervous that because he didn’t have prior knowledge of physics, electronics, or science, he may struggle. It was for this reason he signed up for the Bath Based Distance Learning Full Licence course. He admits it was the most he had studied in over 30 years and, although he found it difficult in places, he enjoyed it immensely. The course finished at the end of December 2023 and following the completion of five mock exams over the holidays he passed the exam on 9 January 2024.

His advice for anyone thinking of starting their own journey in the hobby? Give it go – he only wishes he had done it 30 years earlier!

Category: Student stories